Martin Hopley
By

At first glance the Ping G400 fairway does not seem to have changed much from the previous version.

Ping G400 Fairway

When you compare them at address the head size is pretty much the same with a nice rounded shape.

Ping G400 Fairway

The only visual difference is that the Turbulators on the crown are now slightly larger, which is nominally there to improve aerodynamics like the G400 driver, but which in this size of head is more likely to be beneficial as an alignment aid.

Ping G400 Fairway

The G400 gold weight on the back of the sole is smaller than on the previous G driver due to the material being 30% denser. It's not meant to be changed by you, as it is really for Ping fitters to change the head weight when changing shaft length, but it does look better.

Ping G400 Fairway

The 17-4 Stainless Steel crown is now just 0.48mm thick and this means Ping can move some of this saved weight lower and further back to improve the MOI and CG location.

Ping G400 Fairway

The face is where it is at though and in the G400, Ping has used Maraging Steel that is stronger and lighter than stainless steel to make the face 28% thinner so that it flexes 30% with a claimed 2% increase in ball speed at 105mph driver swing speed.

Ping G400 Fairway

The grooves on the 3-wood are painted on to allow the face to be as thin as possible, whereas higher lofted woods have real grooves as they are expected to be used from more juicy lies and therefore need the grooves to dispel moisture and dirt at impact.

Like the rest of the G400 range the fairway follows the higher launch/faster ball speed/more forgiveness route and that is certainly what I saw when I had the G400 fairway on GC2 with its predecessor.

I got an extra 1mph ball speed, 1 yard higher flight and around 0.5° steeper descent on a 1 yard longer carry. all of these are improvements, so not really much over the previous G fairway, but probably more over the older versions like the G30 fairway and before.

Ping G400 Fairway

One of the other main changes is the slightly flatter sole, particularly towards the toe area that makes the G400 sit very close to the ground and make it ideal for getting the ball up from tighter lies.

Ping G400 Fairway

To be fair the G400 fairway works well from all types of lie and the sound and feel were very solid and above average for the fairway sector.

The Ping Alta CB shaft is slightly heavier in the butt to go with the heavier head to increase the MOI and changes colour from copper to black as you put it down at address, which is a nice touch.

Ping G400 Fairway

The standard model comes in 3, 5, 7 and a new 23.5° 9-wood which should cover most bases and the adjustable hosel enables you to vary the loft by +/- 0.6° or 1°.

Ping G400 Fairway

For those fairway faders there is also a range of SF Tec heads for a Straight Flight for the first time. The main difference is that the rear weight is moved slightly towards the toe and a lower swing weight of D0. The lofts start at 16° and go up through 19° 5-wood and a new 22° 7-wood, again with an adjustable hosel, so between the two heads any loft or flight should be possible.

Ping G400 Fairway

For fairway drivers there is also a Stretch 3-wood at 13° with a 8cc larger head at 193 cc and a D2 swing weight for those who like throttle back off the tee.

Ping G400 Fairway

Overall the Ping G400 is another solid fairway that is, as usual, well-engineered and delivers excellent results from a slightly lower profile head than average.

Ping G400 Fairway

Visually and otherwise it maybe lacks a touch of the wow factor that will get your heart racing, but the results should put a smile on your face when you are filling in the scorecard.

Golfalot Rating: 4 stars
More from Ping
Share:

Videos

Gallery

Ping G400 Fairway Wood - Product Details

UK Launch27 July 2017
UK Launch RRP£240
USA Launch27 July 2017
USA Launch RRP$287.50
European Launch27 July 2017
European Launch RRP€289
Handicap Range
Low
High
GolferMens
Hand AvailabilityLeft, Right
Right Handed Lofts13°, 14.5°, 16°, 17.5°, 19°, 20.5°, 22°, 23.5°
ManufactureCast
MaterialSteel
Swing WeightD1
AdjustabilityLoft
Shaft NamePing Alta CB 65
Shaft TypesGraphite
Shaft FlexRegular, Stiff
Shaft Weight65g
GripGolf Pride Tour Velvet
Number/LoftStretch 3/13°, 3/14.5°, 3 SFT/16°, 5/17.5°, 5 SFT/19°, 7/20.5°, 7 SFT/22°, 9/23.5°
Manufacturer's WebsitePing Website

User Reviews

Mig
October 2018

I have recently been fitted for a new set of clubs the works. And have upgraded from my 16 year old G series to the G400 series and my word what an improvement. The driver is the G400 Max and I struggled until I changed tees from Pink to Orange castles but the real difference I found was in the woods. I now have the 3, 5 and 7 woods and will be ordering the 9 as well. To say these have changed my game is an under statement. I have found from tee to fairway I am using these woods far more often than I used to use my G series and my irons they just give me so much confidence that I can get the ball where I need it. Incidentally whilst I was being fitted I couldn’t hit the G400 hybrid it just wouldn’t connect to the face all my fault I’m certain. And they suggested the 5 wood instead and I am so grateful they did it’s literally been a fake changer. Well done Ping.

J Mc
May 2018

Picked up the game again after ten years away. Tried Taylormade M2 and Aeroburner fairway woods, and tried many hybrids, AeroBurner, Mizuno, and Adams ... and could hit some pretty well some of the time. The M2 3 wood is no doubt a rocket when you catch it just right on the sweet spot, but I still had a fair number of mishits. Loved the Ping G 5 wood from the first time I picked it up. Great balance and just enough swing weight to feel the clubhead. For my swing, about 82-84 mph, it's perfectly matched with the Alta 65g regular flex shaft. It is super easy to hit, consistently well, straight ball flight and as much height as you want. After that, added a Ping G 7 wood and it is equally sweet and consistent. Now awaiting a Ping G stretch 3 wood 13° to replace my driver. I think the design of these clubs with their low profile sole allows the wider sweet spot to be more easily and consistently delivered to the ball time after time. I'm a believer and it's improved my scoring and made the game more fun. For the 9 wood, I'll have to step up to the newer model G400 series as the 9 wood is not offered in the G.

Saatari
May 2018

For almost 2 years, i've been looking the perfect fairway wood for me. I was changing from club heads to club heads from SLDR, RBZ, Aeroburner, 915 Titleist, Ping G30, until finally I changed to G400. Honestly, I think i have found my soulmate. The look, the feel, adjustability option, it's just the perfect blend. Definitely worth the money.

Eric abdilla
December 2017

I have never brought clubs and hit them so good straight away. Pings are so easy to hit.

Colin
November 2017

I was for several years a Callaway man, but after being so pleased with the G400 irons, I thought I would test the fairway woods and was amazed of how good they were. Ffelt great easy to hit and very forgiving, so much better than my Callaways, did not hesitate bought them straight away. Great job Ping.

Tk
August 2017

Awesome woods.

Write a Review

Facebook Comments